Driven by the construction of AI data centers, inter-data center interconnectivity, and high-capacity backbone networks, global demand for fiber optics continues to surge. It is projected that by 2026, the supply-demand gap will reach 180 million core-kilometers, with tightening supply driving spot prices for fiber optics to increase by 2.8 to over 5 times annually. In response, telecom vendors are shifting their procurement models from short-term to long-term contracts to secure fiber optic resources in advance. Global fiber optic supply is expected to tighten from the end of 2025 and continue at least until 2028.
